Newcastle Half Marathon and 10K 2026

Running a half marathon anywhere takes commitment. Running one with the Mourne Mountains rising to one side and Dundrum Bay stretching out to the other is something else. The Newcastle Half Marathon and 10K brings two distances to the promenade of one of County Down’s most dramatic seaside towns, making it a proper summer race day for runners at different stages, from those building to the longer distance to those ready to push out the full 13.1 miles. Both the half marathon and the 10K start at 9:00am from Newcastle Promenade, and both routes take in the scenic countryside around the town. Chip timing means a proper recorded result for everyone who finishes.

What to expect

Two distances, one start: the 10K and the half marathon both go off at 9:00am from the promenade, so you can arrive and race together regardless of which you’ve entered. The courses run through road routes around the Newcastle area and the surrounding Mourne countryside - exactly the kind of terrain that makes a summer race feel earned. All finishers receive a medal and race t-shirt. The event is chip-timed, so your result is recorded from the moment you cross the start line to the moment you cross the finish. Entry price is listed as TBC at time of writing - check the organiser’s registration page to confirm current fees before booking.

Getting there

Newcastle, Co. Down sits on the coast about 50km south of Belfast, directly at the foot of Slieve Donard, the highest peak in the Mournes. By road, take the A24 south from Belfast or the A2 coastal route from Newry. Translink operate bus services from Belfast Europa Bus Centre to Newcastle - the journey takes around 90 minutes. The town is compact and parking fills quickly on race day, so arriving early or using public transport is worth considering. Street parking is available along the front and in car parks near the town centre, but spaces go fast on a summer Sunday morning with a race on.

While you’re in Newcastle

The promenade itself is worth a slow walk after the race - the mountain and sea view from the seafront is one of the better ones in the north of Ireland. Slieve Donard looms directly above the town, and Murlough National Nature Reserve is just a short drive along the coast. There is more to see in Newcastle and across Co. Down.

Good to know

• Date: Sunday 12 July 2026, 9:00am start
• Distances: half marathon (13.1 miles) or 10K
• Price: TBC - check current registration details before booking
• Venue: Newcastle Promenade, Newcastle, Co. Down
• Chip-timed event; finishers receive a medal and race t-shirt
• Courses run on road routes through the Newcastle area and Mourne countryside